"Fulfilling the presidential order, I've signed a government decree. Russia imposes a total ban on deliveries of beef, pork, fruit, vegetables, poultry, fish, cheese, milk and dairy products," Russian prime minister Dmitry Medvedev said, opening the weekly government session. Medvedev said Russia won't import those products for one year, adding that the decision could be reviewed before the end of 12-month period.

Russia is Europe's second-largest market for food and drink. Exports of food and raw materials to Russia were worth 12.2bn euros in 2013, following several years of double-digit growth. EU countries and the US last week stepped up punitive action against Russia in response to Moscow's support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.

According to the Armenian premiere, the ban creates good opportunities for the revitalization of the Armenian economy, and the government will do everything to support local food companies planning to export their produces to Russia.

"This is a great opportunity for our producers to win a foothold in the Russian market, and today we will discuss the matter with the relevant ministers," Abrahamyan said. -0-